No division in football may be as physical as the AFC North. Even though the Steelers have the rings to back them up, QB woes leave the division in doubt. Can Baltimore claim the throne or Cincinnati repeat? Here's my take on each team's chances:
Cleveland Browns
Winning the last four games in 2009 surely saved Cleveland coach Eric Mangini his job as new team president Mike Holmgren took charge. Now in 2010, Mangini has work cut out for him in a brutal division with far superior teams. The team released Derek Anderson and trading Brady Quinn, instead signing the semi-awful Jake Delhomme to run Holmgren's west coast offense and trading for Seneca Wallace to back him up. Delhomme threw over twice as many interceptions (18) as touchdowns (8) last season in only 11 games. Yikes. James Davis turned some heads last season at running back, but he won't catch anyone off-guard this year. Their receivers are awfully young, with second-year men Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie the likely starters. The always-dangerous Josh Cribbs should get 6-10 touches on offense per game. Coming from a guy who witnessed Devin Hester's decline, Mangini would be wise to not overuse him and waste his special teams energy. While the offensive line isn't putrid thanks to tackle Joe Thomas, they need a lot of work.
If there's an area to avoid discussing entirely, it should be the defense. Unfortunately, I pride myself on being thorough. Embattled defensive tackle Shaun Rogers could be a force inside for the Browns, if he avoid stupid off-the-field mistakes and decides to actually try. Kamerion Wimbley left town, taking his 6.5 sacks with him. Without him, the Browns will struggle to create pressure on the QB. The former Eagle Chris Gocong is a decent linebacker, but he and Scott Fujita are not going to scare anyone. Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown are the current starters at corner, but seventh overall selection Joe Haden won't sit behind them for long. Don't ask me about their safeties. I barely know their names.
Last year's record: 5-11
2010 prediction: 4-12
Meh. It's Cleveland. They're obviously in the midst of a massive rebuilding project and aren't going to challenge for the division crown in the next few years. Look to the future Cleveland fans... 8-8 in 2013! Yippee?
My heart breaks for you, Dawg Pound Mike.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off a disappointing season (don't you hate it when 9-7 is disappointing?), Mike Tomlin's Steelers are raring for Lombardi Trophy number 7! One problem: their franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger won't be joining the fight until week six, suspended the first four games because of his publicized problems. That means Dennis Dixon starts in his place with inconsistency sure to follow. He can make big plays with his legs, but he doesn't have the acquired intelligence to be a QB in the league yet. Still, he can definitely keep them at .500 during Big Ben's absence. Rashard Mendenhall officially claimed the starting RB role, with the trust Mewelde Moore coming in for third-down duty. Hines Ward is still around after all these seasons, still constantly smiling as be lays out corners with wicked blocks. Mike Wallace counters with speed on the outside and tight end Heath Miller is a big red zone target. Rookie Maurkice Pouncey came in and laid claim to the starting center spot, leading to Justin Hartwig's release. While it's not the same mauling line as years past, the Steeler line will get the job done. Unfortunately Ben will get sacked a ton when he gets back.
Their trademark during their Super Bowl runs, the Steeler defense is still hard-hitting and stout against the run, though their pass defense numbers suffered last year with safety Troy Polamalu missing so much time. Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel are a great front three, and linebackers LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison are vicious. After Ike Taylor, their corners are superb, but safeties Ryan Clark and Polamalu are as good as they get.
Last year's record: 9-7
2010 prediction: 9-7
Missing Roethlisberger for so long will hurt quite a bit, as I don't think he'll transition seamlessly back into the starting spot. I still trust the defense but I doubt the offensive line and Medenhall's ability to stay healthy a full season. They'll compete for the North crown, sure. But is that good enough?
Man... the internet sucks for creepy famous guys like Ben.
Baltimore Ravens
The sexy pick in the AFC (besides the Jets), the Ravens made some massive upgrades on the offensive side of the ball to help out the emerging Joe Flacco. They traded for Anquan Boldin, signed Donte Stallworth, re-signed Derrick Mason and signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Unfortunately Stallworth, the only speed guy of the bunch is out for the first month or so because of a broken foot. Still, having possession receivers like Boldin, Housh and Mason is always a good thing. Having three of them is gravy. Expect Ray Rice to put up monster numbers this year out of the backfield. Michael Oher has been moved over to left tackle, an odd move because of how well Jared Gaither was playing there. Baltimore drafted tight ends Ed Dickson (3rd round) and Dennis Pitta (4th) to help out the offense behind the catch-happy Todd Heap.
Every year fans can count on the Raven defense to show up strong, evident by their demolishing of the Patriots in the 2009 playoffs. End Trevor Pryce can still rush the QB and massive defensive tackle Haloti Ngata clogs up the middle like hair in a shower drain. Ray Lewis is an oldie but a goody at linebacker and Terrell Suggs loves to sack that quarterback. Their corners are dropping like flies though, with top man Dominique Foxworth being placed on IR and Lardarius Webb not likely to play the opener. Ed Reed is on the PUO list for the first six weeks, meaning Tom Zbikowski or Ken Hamlin have to fill his talented shoes.
Last year's record: 9-7
2010 prediction: 10-6
The offense is more vertical than ever and Ray Rice is a star, but the secondary worries me to no end. I'm not sure Flacco can put up the kind of points in this offense to match what the corners may be giving up. They'll challenge for the division though, but for the first year in some time, their defense is what will hold them back.
Cincinnati Bengals
In a definite surprise, the Bengals climbed the ranks behind a great defense and running attack to take the AFC North crown. A long way from his elite years of the past, it wasn't Carson Palmer at his best, but in his defense he was extremely low on weapons. That won't be the case this year. In addition to Chad Ochocinco (I fee lame for typing that), the Bengals signed Terrell Owens, who seems to have some speed left. They drafted slot receiver Jordan Shipley and pass-catching tight end Jermain Gresham. The line is big and physical, but they need to protect Palmer better to bring him back to glory. Cedric Benson looks revitalized in Cincy *grumble* and Bernard Scott brings some quickness off the bench.
After years of unfulfilled potential, defensive-minded head coach Marvin Lewis FINALLY came though with a solid defensive season. Missing most of the '09 campaign, end-rusher Antwan Odom is back and ready to hit someone. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga are as two of the better young linebackers in the NFL and flank Dhani Jones well. Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph are entirely underrated at cornerback. While the safety position may not be strong with the Bengals needing to trade for Jacksonville bust Reggie Nelson and signing Gibril Wilson, Roy Williams seems to have found a fit.
Last year's record: 10-6
2010 prediction: 10-6
I can't find an abundance of reasons why the Bengals can't repeat as division champs. They haven't rested on their "old school football" laurels, bringing in weapons for Palmer. If Carson can get anywhere near the levels he once reached, Cincy is beyond scary.
Speaking of scary...
